Emergence of VIM-2 metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in a paediatric hospital in Serbia

Molecular detection and surveillance of the resistance genes harboured by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are becoming increasingly important in assessing and controlling spread and colonization in hospitals, and in guiding the antibiotic treatment of infections. Metallo-blactamase (MBL)-producing P. aeruginosa strains are slowly but steadily increasing within hospitals, causing outbreaks and/or hyperendemic situations in some centres, mostly in the Far East and the south of Europe (Queenan & Bush, 2007). The global dissemination of MBL-producing P. aeruginosa strains has also reached the Balkan region (Lepsanovic et al., 2008; Sardelic et al., 2003). The objective of our study was to detect and characterize P. aeruginosa isolates producing MBLs from the 400-bed paediatric tertiary care hospital Mother and Child Health Institute of Serbia ‘Dr Vukan Cupic